Norwegian War Drama 'Safe House' to Open 48th Göteborg Film Festival

The 48th Göteborg Film Festival will premiere with “Safe House” (“Før Mørket”), a wartime drama by Norwegian director Eirik Svensson, on January 24, 2025. This riveting film is based on true events from the Central African Republic’s civil war, telling a compelling story of moral quandaries and humanitarian disasters.

“Safe House” is based on Lindis Hurum’s autobiography, who is the Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders Norway. The story begins on Christmas Eve, 2013 when a Muslim man finds safety in a field hospital. Outside, Christian militiamen demand his surrender. Kristine Kujath Thorp plays Linn, a Norwegian relief worker who must make difficult moral decisions while working to safeguard both the refugee and her colleagues.

“Safe House” was produced by Fantefilm in partnership with Nordic partners such as Film i Väst, Cinenic Film, Nordisk Film, and ReelMedia and will compete in the festival’s Nordic Competition. To improve accessibility, festival organizers announced that the film will also be available on their internet portal.

In other developments, Lionsgate and Bell Media are expanding into the Canadian market by teaming with Point Grey Pictures, a production firm founded by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. This cooperation is Point Grey’s first push into Canadian written content, building on their connection with Lionsgate, which has previously produced the upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series “The Studio.”

Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group Chair and Chief Creative Officer, was enthusiastic about the collaboration. He stated, “Point Grey has always pushed the boundaries of premium scripted storytelling.” Their efforts will boost our collaboration with Bell Media and improve our ability to produce high-quality content for Canadian and international audiences.”

Meanwhile, Alexander Gardiner has announced his departure from British television as CEO of Rare TV, the firm behind successful shows such as “Digging for Britain” and “Expert Witness.” Gardiner, who joined Rare TV in 2019 from Channel 4, will take on a non-executive chair role to focus on health and family. The business expects to choose its successor in early 2025.

In his goodbye address, Gardiner reflected on the industry’s issues, stating, “When hugely talented and experienced producers and directors are reduced to working as Ocado delivery drivers, how can we hope to attract the brightest and best into television?”